Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, in collaboration with Mayor Tom Barrett, is inviting Milwaukee residents to take part in the “Vacant Lot Challenge.” Participants will submit ideas for creating, improving, and activating a vacant lot, and the winning team will receive a $10,000 reimbursable grant for project implementation.

A special public workshop about the project will be held in the 1st District from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4 at the Villard Square Library (in the community room), 5190 N. 35th St.

The challenge is a pilot project that will showcase creative ideas and strategies for transforming Milwaukee’s vacant land into an asset that contributes to a community need. Nonprofits and business leaders who have an interest in improving neighborhoods are encouraged to partner with residents and submit ideas.

“The Vacant Lot Challenge can inspire drastic change in the neighborhoods that need it most,” said Alderman Hamilton. “This is an opportunity for residents to take ownership in the transformation of Milwaukee, one vacant lot at a time.”

Strategies should engage residents and address a community need such as food systems, art, community space, economic development, education and storm water retention. Project selection criteria will be based on:

Creative ideas and solutions that address a community need

Combining different ideas to address multiple needs or concerns

Response to unique site characteristics and local community context

Connections to other existing neighborhood activities and programs

The submission deadline for the challenge is Friday, August 14, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. For more information about the “Vacant Lot Challenge,” or the submission process, please visit www.milwaukee.gov/vlc.

Reclaiming vacant lots is an important effort. I just wish there was funding for more than one project. I know a few community gardens have been created. But with so many vacant lots I hope this can be scaled up quickly.

Will the various ideas be shared, perhaps with the goal of getting funding for other projects, perhaps from a community foundation?

I think that this is a very good idea to have the community to join in and give their ideas and support to thing developing in their neighborhood. I pray that the people will take hold of this great opportunity to be a part of reconstructing our neighborhoods. It is GREAT !